[Q] What's the real deal with T-mobile and tethering? - T-Mobile LG G2x

So they say after Feb 1 tethering costs $14.95 a month.
What are ways around this?
How can they tell? MAC address?
On the $30 data plan now. Rooted.
Should a different app be used other than the one built in to settings, or does it matter?

Yeah... They've been saying this for quite some time, and indeed there were reports that some users got notices. However, I think if you're using Android's native WiFi hotspot functionality through CM7, you'll be fine. At least that's been the case for me.

if you tether with just the data plan it uses your bandwith monthly
if you have the tethering data plan its unlimited tethering until tether is disabled and you use your phones for net again

Related

[Q] AT&T Teathering...

So anyone understand what this article is talking about?
http://www.softwaredownloadsguide.com/2011/02/htc-inspire-4g-htc-inspire-4g-on-att-release-date/
Here is the part I am curious about:
AT&T will charge monthly data plans for the HTC Inspire 4G will price $15 for 200MB of data and $25 per month for 2GB data plan. Data can be use through Hotspot capacity from Datapro Tethering plan for the user data allowance. HTC Inspire 4G will be available on AT&T stores and online from 13th February at price $99.99 with two years contract.
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So does this mean that people with unlimited plans at $30 a month should be ok to tether their laptops via wifi?
No, you need a data pro plan with tethering. $45 for 4gb of data.
so i wonder if there will be a way around that cause i currently have a unlimited data plan and really don't want to pay for the tethering plan (have been using WMWifirouter for WM 6.5). Any ideas to help me out being a cheepskate!?
darkbluexplorer said:
so i wonder if there will be a way around that cause i currently have a unlimited data plan and really don't want to pay for the tethering plan (have been using WMWifirouter for WM 6.5). Any ideas to help me out being a cheepskate!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PDA.Net is an option since you have an unlimited plan.
once we get root (assuming we do) are there other tethering options (you will have to pardon me as i am still new to android). When i did searches there is some material on the subject but from what i understand the phone has to be rooted for these to work.
darkbluexplorer said:
once we get root (assuming we do) are there other wifi tethering options (you will have to pardon me as i am still new to android). When i did searches there is some material on the subject but from what i understand the phone has to be rooted for these to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes once you root your phone you will have other options to choose from such as Android Wifi tether.
thanks.. now if the predictions continue at the same rate of what i continue to read the phone will be rooted before i ever get it home from the store
PDA.net is wired tethering, not a wifi hotspot
Ya I have the $30 unlimited data with AT&T. Using the HD2 Australian version (android OS) I am able to use the Wi-Fi Hotspot app, only problem is where I live they don't use 850 for 3G so I only have EDGE. I am really looking forward to what can be done with the Inspire, because having such an amazing phone kind of sucks with such slow data speeds.
This is something I am very interested in also. I am assuming the wifi tethering that ATT is talking about it the MobileAP that is already present on damn near every 2.2 rom. I heard that they are going to have a setting that will let ATT control whether your INSPIRE 4g will be able to use this feature. I am on the unlimited plan now with my craptivate and was just thinking about buying it off contract and dropping my sim in. does anyone think that this might be an issue?
My only worry is that ATT tries to screw you in almost every way possible if they think they can make more money off you. Technically we shouldn't have to pay for tethering IMHO we are already paying for the data why should it matter how or on what device we use it on??
laxwillsch said:
This is something I am very interested in also. I am assuming the wifi tethering that ATT is talking about it the MobileAP that is already present on damn near every 2.2 rom. I heard that they are going to have a setting that will let ATT control whether your INSPIRE 4g will be able to use this feature. I am on the unlimited plan now with my craptivate and was just thinking about buying it off contract and dropping my sim in. does anyone think that this might be an issue?
My only worry is that ATT tries to screw you in almost every way possible if they think they can make more money off you. Technically we shouldn't have to pay for tethering IMHO we are already paying for the data why should it matter how or on what device we use it on??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, although it seems like once they get it rooted we will be able to put our own tethering app on it and avoid having to pay for a ridiculous plan. I used WMWiFi Router on my incite and HTC's tethering on the windows mobile HD2 and now the WiFi Hotspot app on Android on the HD2 all on ATT with an unlimited data plan without tethering.

(T-Mobile US) What happens if you attempt to wifi tether using stock menu options?

So what happens if you set up wifi tethering and start using it without a tethering plan?
Do they know automatically or do they attempt to guess based on increases in data usage?
This would be using the menu options available to you under Network settings in STOCK (not rooted).
there no tethering plan with t-mobile you can wifi tether all you want. But if they do see that you're hitting your cap quickly lets say in a 3 month period. they'll text you if you want to upgrade.
when I was picking up my mt4gs, I overheard a rep trying to sell people an additional tethering plan. is that for unlimited tethering? I wanted to walk up to them and tell them I have been tethering since the G1 without any additional plan... the only real issue is getting throttled, but most months I don't hit the data cap.
pmcqueen said:
when I was picking up my mt4gs, I overheard a rep trying to sell people an additional tethering plan. is that for unlimited tethering? I wanted to walk up to them and tell them I have been tethering since the G1 without any additional plan... the only real issue is getting throttled, but most months I don't hit the data cap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the rep that sold me my MT4GS said that they don't throttle automatically. He had one customer use 200+GB before he was throttled. Apparently it's hit or miss anyway and he basically talked me into a lower data rate because of it.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
If you attempt to tether or do wi-fi sharing on any T-mobile phone that is capable of it one of four things will happen.. Either
A) it will fail...
B) Any browsing attempt will re-direct you to T-mobile.com
C) You will automatically get directed to a page that prompts you to call Customer care to add the $14.99/month Tethering and Wi-Fi sharing feature
D) It will allow you to browse a certain amount and then give you the above page.
The feature has to be on the account for tethering to work long term.. Even if you get away with it for a short time, eventually they will catch you and shut you off until you add the feature. The $14.99/month allows you to share whatever data is on your phone (2GB, 5GB, 10GB) with the phone and Tethering... SO... If you have the 5GB data plan, you get 5GB to share between tethering and your regular phone data usage, then speeds get slowed down to approx 100kbps after that until the bill cycle resets.
Like i told you before there is no tethering plan for t-mobile. My gf tether her phone with her iPad all the time. Nothing had happen so far.
Say that now, but I am guaranteeing you that T-mobile will catch up with her eventually.. There IS a tethering plan and you can call T-mobile and and verify that whenever you want.
Brock6949 said:
Say that now, but I am guaranteeing you that T-mobile will catch up with her eventually.. There IS a tethering plan and you can call T-mobile and and verify that whenever you want.
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Click to collapse
I've been tethering since 2008 without a plan.
perhaps it has something to do with new data plans? I've had a grandfathered data plan for years.
pmcqueen said:
I've been tethering since 2008 without a plan.
perhaps it has something to do with new data plans? I've had a grandfathered data plan for years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same and I have a grandfathered unlimited data plan that comes with unlimited texts for only $35. Been tethering forever.
I think he's just making it up. hahaha
A grandfathered plan may be the reason you are still able to tether, but I will tell you that I am a T-mobile employee who works in the phone as modem department and there IS a tethering plan that t-mobile does charge for... Infact, go to t-mobile's website and search for "Tethering" and then look at all of the official documents for tethering with different devices and they will all mention the tethering and wi-fi sharing feature.
Brock6949 said:
A grandfathered plan may be the reason you are still able to tether, but I will tell you that I am a T-mobile employee who works in the phone as modem department and there IS a tethering plan that t-mobile does charge for... Infact, go to t-mobile's website and search for "Tethering" and then look at all of the official documents for tethering with different devices and they will all mention the tethering and wi-fi sharing feature.
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Click to collapse
I tethered my Touch Pro 2 a few times after they introduced tethering and nothing ever became...
rorytmeadows said:
I tethered my Touch Pro 2 a few times after they introduced tethering and nothing ever became...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A few times may not have been enough for you to get the message... There is a preset threshold you have to meet or exceed to get the message about the tethering plan.. THey have not told any of us what that threshold is (for obvious reasons)
and even if you don't get the message right away, at some point our system will flag the account... Trust me, I field these calls 5 days a week.
Brock6949 said:
A few times may not have been enough for you to get the message... There is a preset threshold you have to meet or exceed to get the message about the tethering plan.. THey have not told any of us what that threshold is (for obvious reasons)
and even if you don't get the message right away, at some point our system will flag the account... Trust me, I field these calls 5 days a week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So how can they tell that it's tethering data vs. data from the phone? Especially since I can set my browser to desktop mode. Well, I'm too lazy to do it but if tethering ever goes to court, service providers will lose.
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using XDA Premium App
There is no way to tell between tethering and phone data... it's all lumped together... even when you add the tethering feature (if the system makes you) you get your data shared with your cell data usage so on a non grandfathered rate plan you get 2gb,5gb, or 10gb to share between tethering and phone data usage.
Brock6949 said:
There is no way to tell between tethering and phone data... it's all lumped together... even when you add the tethering feature (if the system makes you) you get your data shared with your cell data usage so on a non grandfathered rate plan you get 2gb,5gb, or 10gb to share between tethering and phone data usage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So tethering won't get caught...
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
HTTP traffic is TCP which means it's encoded in ASCII which makes it really easy to scan what goes over the line. In those HTTP headers they can check what the user-agent is as well as the time-to-live setting on each packet which will be different from a windows desktop connection.
However it's possible to mask this. I could in theory make an SSH connection from the phone to an SSH server I have on the internet and tunnel all my tethering through that. It would be very difficult to prove tethering at that point because it would be masked behind the phone's connection to a server.
That all being said. In real world usage I might only tether once or twice a month in what basically amounts to not much more bandwidth usage then normal.
Also. The telecom providers are very backhanded about tethering. We made tethering possible before they knew what the **** tethering even meant. I've been doing this since before most people understood what it means to tether. And I signed up for my unlimited plan back when unlimited meant unlimited. So uh..... T-mo can go **** itself if they expect me to pay extra. lol.
-my 2 cents
Akujin said:
We made tethering possible before they knew what the **** tethering even meant. I've been doing this since before most people understood what it means to tether. And I signed up for my unlimited plan back when unlimited meant unlimited. So uh..... T-mo can go **** itself if they expect me to pay extra. lol.
-my 2 cents
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Click to collapse
YES!
Tethered on my MDA before I even used the word!
Theoretically based on some of the statements here of how PC band with flows, I should be able to tether my Acer A500 tablet without any problems or discovery.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App

Tethering A Computer vs. Tablet

Tried to ask this in the general forums and didn't get an answer, wondering f you guys could help. Got an s3 to keep my unlimited data. Reading it says that Verizon can tell if you tethering to a computer due to TTL packets. I don't know much about networking but reading it says that windows computers while tethering push a value of 124 or 128 packets unless configured while android devices have a value of 64. The thing is I never tether to my computer only my tablet. So can I safely go nuts tethering to my tablet as if it was my phone due to it looking like I'm using my phone or am I way off and can Verizon tell I'm tethering and using my tablet. I really just want tot tether the hell out f my tablet when I need it. Anyways as this is XDA can I hide it safely? I have an unlimited data plan so the whole OK to tether thing since that lawsuit doesn't apply to me with this.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using Tapatalk 2
mrvogel said:
Tried to ask this in the general forums and didn't get an answer, wondering f you guys could help. Got an s3 to keep my unlimited data. Reading it says that Verizon can tell if you tethering to a computer due to TTL packets. I don't know much about networking but reading it says that windows computers while tethering push a value of 124 or 128 packets unless configured while android devices have a value of 64. The thing is I never tether to my computer only my tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about the packet size issue you mentioned.
Otherwise, I have read that if*your Verizon tethering indicator turns on or your usage suddenly goes quite high for a month or more, they might suspect you of tethering without a plan and look into it. It's also said that apps like PDAnet make it very difficult for the service provider to figure out if you are tethering or not - regardless of what you're connected to.
- ooofest
VZW can no longer block tethering on 4g phones. Due to FCC saying so. Simple Google search will fond multiple articles.
There is no restrictions on unlimited versus tiered data plan. What counts is that you have a 4g phone. Check out this article ans the tether away.
http://www.zdnet.com/let-my-wi-fi-go-fcc-rules-verizon-cant-charge-for-wi-fi-tethering-7000001916/
Rocking T2 on the unlocked VSG3!
I've read differently. It sounds like if you have an unlimited data plan you can only use that data plan for a single device meaning that you can't tether the unlimited data. I read multiple places that this is part of the terms of service and it doesn't apply to unlimited data plan users... M
aybe somebody can clarify this for me because it would be great to use my unlimited data for tethering when on vacations.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Tethering
Its like not paying you bill. You get a warning. You can always deny it or ignore it. Modern PDANet if thats what you are boing to use has some countermeasures. At least 2 I think. Don't know if they are effective. You can just use Orobot to tunnel your traffic and I'm pretty certain that would work. I don't know what you plan to do but I wouldn't go download something shady from some torrent site though. Web browsing and getting email is probably fine.
I've been tethering my laptop to my phone since I first figured out how to do it with the Droid X. Meaning basically since I rooted it and found a decent tether app. Out of 5 people on a business share plan(business version of family plan - add a line for 9.99 etc) I've always had significantly highest usage. 5 gigs at a bare minimum, and not once has verizon figured out I'm tethering.
I honestly dont think they can really tell if you are or arent tehtering. 4g or 3g.
Curious, is Verizon still charging people today who were paying before the ruling? Is it possible now for me to use built in hotspot instead of wifi tether, regardless of whether or not i am on a custom rom? I am using latest synergy atm with wifi tether, i should have no problem using built in right?
sfetaz said:
Curious, is Verizon still charging people today who were paying before the ruling? Is it possible now for me to use built in hotspot instead of wifi tether, regardless of whether or not i am on a custom rom? I am using latest synergy atm with wifi tether, i should have no problem using built in right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you can if you turn it on through the notification toggles...Why tho? The WiFi for Root Users is a lot more customizable...
sfetaz said:
Curious, is Verizon still charging people today who were paying before the ruling? Is it possible now for me to use built in hotspot instead of wifi tether, regardless of whether or not i am on a custom rom? I am using latest synergy atm with wifi tether, i should have no problem using built in right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
atm no. the software is still there to keep you from doing that. IF you root, the world is your oyster though... and they aren't actually allowed to do anything to do. They just aren't rushing to open everyone up to free hotspotting.

TMobile: Anyway to use/tether the data for free?

Right now I'm on the 2.5g data plan. I wanted to use and or tether past that but don't want to spend a world. Is there an apps that can do that? I heard FoxFi can but so far it's eating my data. I kinda miss Sprint Unlimited data
micrapple said:
Right now I'm on the 2.5g data plan. I wanted to use and or tether past that but don't want to spend a world. Is there an apps that can do that? I heard FoxFi can but so far it's eating my data. I kinda miss Sprint Unlimited data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wireless tether router is working miracles. They made it compatible and its amazing. Doesnt increase your tethering data at all. It cost a few bucks though
pda net will work if you use usb tethering, i have been using it for the past two months with no issues.
Can the tethering (free tethering) be done w/out rooting the phone?

Keep ATT unlimited data or switch to unlimited ATT+direcTV??!

So I've had the grandfathered unlimited data a LONG time but now there is a possible better option.
I have four lines on my account, only I have unlimited data. The recent DirecTV deal is something like ~$150 for four lines of unlimited everything (same 22gb/mo data shared before some sort of throttle) as long as you have a DirecTV account.
The net difference is about $140/mo cheaper for me and everyone gets 'unlimited' data. My parents will probably carry their DirecTV account for at least another 10yrs...
I'm a serious power user and usually use about 30-50gb/mo. I don't even notice the slow down with what I do.
Worth sacrificing the grandfathered personal unlimited which is now $35? I'm not sure I know all the details so I ask here. Thank you!
eatkabab said:
So I've had the grandfathered unlimited data a LONG time but now there is a possible better option.
I have four lines on my account, only I have unlimited data. The recent DirecTV deal is something like ~$150 for four lines of unlimited everything (same 22gb/mo data shared before some sort of throttle) as long as you have a DirecTV account.
The net difference is about $140/mo cheaper for me and everyone gets 'unlimited' data. My parents will probably carry their DirecTV account for at least another 10yrs...
I'm a serious power user and usually use about 30-50gb/mo. I don't even notice the slow down with what I do.
Worth sacrificing the grandfathered personal unlimited which is now $35? I'm not sure I know all the details so I ask here. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you switch to the new Unlimited Data plan with Directv
If yes where you able to use rooting or foxfi to tether. They offer no tethering plan with the new unlimited. I was wondering if there is a workaround.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/general/att-unlimited-data-plan-directv-t3422618
diljosh said:
Did you switch to the new Unlimited Data plan with Directv
If yes where you able to use rooting or foxfi to tether. They offer no tethering plan with the new unlimited. I was wondering if there is a workaround.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/general/att-unlimited-data-plan-directv-t3422618
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I did switch to the Directv unlimited and I've never even considered a tethering plan. It's always worked and I get the occasional text message informing me that tethering plans exist. With the new directv plan I haven't gotten a single text or letter about it. I only use android things so it's pretty easy to get some utility that does what I need. I'm currently on the OnePlus Three which does tethering default as part of the OS. I don't use it a lot, but it's extremely useful when I need it. The past month I've been really over using it however. It's usually faster than wired net anyways.
eatkabab said:
Yes I did switch to the Directv unlimited and I've never even considered a tethering plan. It's always worked and I get the occasional text message informing me that tethering plans exist. With the new directv plan I haven't gotten a single text or letter about it. I only use android things so it's pretty easy to get some utility that does what I need. I'm currently on the OnePlus Three which does tethering default as part of the OS. I don't use it a lot, but it's extremely useful when I need it. The past month I've been really over using it however. It's usually faster than wired net anyways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ATT rep told me, that I cant add tethering option to the new Unlimited plan even if I want to pay for it. But you are telling me that hotspot just works
So ATT does not block third party WIFI hotspot tethering or if it is built into the OS with the new unlimited data plan. Have you tried this on other android phones or just the One plus.
I am thinking of switching to ATT because of this plan, but the Hotspot is must for me.
diljosh said:
The ATT rep told me, that I cant add tethering option to the new Unlimited plan even if I want to pay for it. But you are telling me that hotspot just works
So ATT does not block third party WIFI hotspot tethering or if it is built into the OS with the new unlimited data plan. Have you tried this on other android phones or just the One plus.
I am thinking of switching to ATT because of this plan, but the Hotspot is must for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've only had the oneplus 3 on the new plan but I can tell you I'm on USB tether right now and it's 100% flawless. I tested wifi too but as we all know, wifi just isn't as snappy as a wire. lemme test it on various devices for you later today. The wifi hotspot, not the tethering ability...bit too lazy for that, sorry.
eatkabab said:
I've only had the oneplus 3 on the new plan but I can tell you I'm on USB tether right now and it's 100% flawless. I tested wifi too but as we all know, wifi just isn't as snappy as a wire. lemme test it on various devices for you later today. The wifi hotspot, not the tethering ability...bit too lazy for that, sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be great, really appreciate it. I mainly need the wifi Hotspot. Have you been going over the 22GB throttle limit, if so are they slowing you down.
diljosh said:
That would be great, really appreciate it. I mainly need the wifi Hotspot. Have you been going over the 22GB throttle limit, if so are they slowing you down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even on the previous unlimited plan they would throttle you after only 5gb. I pass 22gb in the first two weeks every month. Sometimes in the first week. I don't even notice anymore if it's slow or fast. I'm sure it's being throttled but it's still fast 'enough' for me not to care. I was really skeptical of the plan but it's actually working out pretty well and it's FAR cheaper than I ever expected. Especially if you're getting your own phones...the oneplus 3 is excellent.

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